Ruili

Ruili's oldest Buddhist site, this golden stupa complex of 17 towers dates to the 17th century. The main pagoda rises 39.5m, adorned with gold tiles and tinkling wind bells. During Water Splashing Festival, grand ceremonies draw crowds.

Also known as Manmengding Pagoda, this key Theravada Buddhist stupa in Yingjiang was first built in 1947, destroyed, and rebuilt in 1982. Nearby, ethnic festivals like Jingpo's Munao Zongge and Dai's Water Splashing come alive with song and dance.

A stunning Dai Buddhist temple in Hansa Village, once capital of the ancient Maomao Kingdom. The main hall houses a serene Buddha flanked by disciples, with ceilings painted with peacocks, white elephants, and auspicious motifs. Surrounded by bamboo and banyan trees.

One of Mangshi's best-preserved Buddhist temples, named after a thriving bodhi tree at its front. Though damaged in wars and the Cultural Revolution, it was restored in 1978. Open only during religious festivals, offering a glimpse of local devotion.

A pristine rainforest in Ruili, home to a 60-meter waterfall and a giant Buddha footprint on a rock. With high negative oxygen ions, it's a haven for ancient vines, strangler figs, and wildlife like peacocks and macaques. A truly immersive jungle experience.

A natural limestone cave on a cliff in Mangshi, named for three rock formations resembling fox spirits. The two-level cave spans 50 meters with 16 halls, filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites in myriad shapes. A hidden gem for spelunkers.

A national scenic area along the China-Myanmar border, featuring rivers, tropical rainforests, and rare wildlife. It's a cultural tapestry of Dai villages, Buddhist stupas, and border-town charm, offering a unique blend of nature and ethnic heritage.

China's westernmost tropical reserve, bordering Myanmar, protects pristine monsoon forests. It's home to rare species like the white-browed gibbon and hornbills, as well as unique flora such as Shorea assamica. A biodiversity hotspot for nature enthusiasts.

A unique geographic marvel where the China-Myanmar border splits a Dai village. The border runs along bamboo fences and ditches, with locals crossing freely. Swing on the famous 'One Swing Two Countries' and you're instantly abroad!

A bustling border area just 500m from Myanmar's Muse, with a national gate and 9 boundary markers. Historically a key stop on the Southern Silk Road, it's now a hub for cross-border trade and cultural exchange. Note: check safety before visiting.

China's smallest city-level town, with a population of just 10,000. Its national gate and the Jiugu Bridge connect to Myanmar, offering easy border-crossing tours. The town's morning flag-raising ceremony is a moving sight, and the border street buzzes with exotic goods.

A charming Dai village whose name means 'place of gold'. Surrounded by fruit trees, bamboo groves, and banyans, it offers an authentic glimpse of rural Dai life. Peacocks stroll by, and the architecture blends traditional stilt houses with modern touches.

A patriotic education base in Yingjiang, this Qing-era Tusi mansion displays 192 relics, including the Tusi seal and items from Dao Anren's life. Nearby stands the 'China Rubber Mother Tree', planted from seeds he brought from Malaysia in 1904.

An ecological garden in Mangshi showcasing ancient trees, silicified wood, and rare stones. It boasts four national records: oldest and most numerous ancient trees, largest tree fossils, finest root carvings, and highest transplant survival rate. A botanical wonderland.

A dazzling golden stupa atop Leiyanrang Hill in Mangshi, the largest hollow Buddhist pagoda in Asia. Completed in 2004, it's a symbol of the Dai people's faith and a bridge of friendship with Myanmar. Open until 9pm for evening views.

A solemn monument in Mangshi honoring the Chinese Expeditionary Force in Yunnan. Inscribed by General Song Xilian, it stands on a high platform reached by steps. A free and moving site for history buffs.